All of us have had the experience of utilizing certain things or products which work quite fine for some time….but as time passes, becomes less effective or less efficient.

>> A ceiling fan/ table fan, after few months or years, tends to be less forceful…

>> A fast-processing computer after few months of years, tends to slow down…

>> Colourful clothes after a few washes or usage, tends to lose their initial glean and shine…

A similar aspect could be visible in our spiritual lives as well!

The Gospel of the Day is a reminder to examine this aspect in our lives and to make amends, in order to revitalise and revive our lives.

The Gospel begins with the verse ” But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation…” (Lk 21:34)

‘Dissipation” is strong word which could have several parallel understandings…

With respect to morality:

>> Dissipation refers to an overindulgence in sensual pleasures.

With respect to behaviour:

>> Dissipation refers to a conduct that shows one is interested only in pleasure, money, etc.

With respect to economics:

>> Dissipation refers to an act of using all or a lot of money, time, etc., in a foolish way.

With respect to physics:

>> Dissipation refers to a physical process by which energy becomes not only unavailable but irrecoverable in any form.

Dissipation is a tendency…

… to squander away enthusiasm because of allowing monotony to creep into life.

… to lose vitality as a result of being indulged in continuous immoral behaviours

… to leak-out the energy and vigor in oneself, in small amounts and thus become lifeless

… to become disinterested and dispirited due to constant exposure to luxury and comforts

Dissipation is a terrible malady that has badly affected many people in the Bible…

The people during Noah’s time were “dissipated” with eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, although God had sent out a warning of their destruction through Noah.

The citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah were “dissipated” with extremely immoral and corrupt practices, even though the people were given a forewarning of their possible.

The people of Israel were “dissipated” with frustration and dissatisfaction while travelling in the desert and failed to understand the providential hand of God.

The disciples of Jesus were “dissipated” with sadness, shattering of hopes and brokenness after the death of Jesus and failed to believe and trust in His great promises.

We have a call to examine our lives and check whether we too have fallen into a state of “dissipation”…

>> Maybe my prayer life is “dissipated”…

… due to various distractions, excuses of lack of time, complaints of being tired or just simply a lack of interest…

Maybe my personal intimacy with God is “dissipated”…

… since I don’t experience any joyful or experiential feelings or because some of my expectations of God are not met…

Maybe my relationships with people is “dissipated”…

… due to some friction or misunderstanding or an indifference that has sneaked in without any particular reason.

>> Maybe my family life/community life is “dissipated”…

… because I feel disinterested or not so enthusiastic in going beyond some of my personal comforts or I feel lonely in not feeling accepted or loved.

Dissipation can be a tendency that can steal into our lives very stealthily and can drain away much of our energy, eagerness and passion.

In the book of Revelations, the Lord has this complaint:

“..I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent and do the works you did at first” (Rev 2:4-5)

Let us seek to renew our initial fervour and zeal.

>> Let us challenge ourselves to revive our zest and interest.

The Lord deserves not “dissipated” people…

… but “spirited” and “passionate” people!

As we thank the Lord for the gift of November…

… and as we step into the last month of 2018 – December – let us offer our lives to the Lord completely.

Let us seek to earnestly begin a 25 day Journey in preparation for Christmas

>> And thus “make a home for Jesus, this Christmas”…

… growing in our conviction and experience that “Jesus is Emmanuel – With us, God – Forever!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!